Sexual behavior and chemical signaling in Opsiphanes cassina (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Abstract

Behavior modification using chemical stimuli is a promising tactic for integrated management of lepidopteran pests. Therefore, this approach was evaluated for the management of the butterfly Opsiphanes cassina Felder 1862, a defoliating pest in oil palm plantations. To achieve this aim, we observed adults’ sexual behavior under laboratory conditions and identified glandular structures in the abdomen and hind wings of males that are associated with the production of sexual pheromones in taxonomically related insects. It was also determined that male calls to females occur at 18:00 h when they fill their glandular structures, tremble, and make abdominal movements while possibly releasing pheromones. The hairpencils of the hind wings are also exposed during this time. Furthermore, the analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) on the samples obtained by Solvent Assisted Extraction (SAE) revealed the identification of three male-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including (E)-nerolidol, vanillin, and (Z)-7-heptadecene. The Electroantennographic (EAG) evaluation demonstrated that females respond to the compounds, indicating their likely involvement in intraspecific interactions of the species. However, the behavioral evaluation did not confirm their attractive effect under the conditions employed. Nevertheless, the identified male-specific semiochemicals could be an alternative for inclusion in integrated pest management (IPM) of this pest in oil palm crops. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate them under field conditions.